Ridiculous Mix-Up: K-Drama Actor Becomes Unwitting Target of Soccer Fans' Anger

A recent match between Korea's national soccer team and Mexico at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has sparked outrage among fans, particularly against one player: Lee Gi Hyuk. But it turns out the backlash was aimed at the wrong person - actor Lee Ki Hyuk, who has no affiliation with the team.

The incident occurred on June 19, 2026, during the second-half of the match at Guadalajara Stadium in Zapopan, Mexico. Mexico's Luis Romo scored a crucial goal after Korea's goalkeeper Kim Seung Gyu made a critical mistake, dropping the ball due to defensive confusion. The team ultimately lost 0-1.

Soccer player Lee Gi Hyuk became an instant target for criticism online. However, it was soon discovered that the backlash was mistakenly directed at actor Lee Ki Hyuk, who had been subjected to comments such as 'don't play soccer anymore,' 'we lost because of you,' and 'why did you block Kim Seung Gyu?'

Actor Lee Ki Hyuk made his debut in the 2004 film 'Temptation of Wolves' and has since appeared in notable works like 'Business Proposal' and 'Sweet Home.' His fans quickly rallied around him, defending him against the hate.

Some netizens pointed out the absurdity of the situation and criticized the culture of excessive hate towards athletes after a loss. They argued that mistakes during a game can be discussed but personal attacks and malicious comments go too far, especially when the players themselves are likely already feeling the weight of the result.

As the K-Drama industry continues to grow and gain recognition globally, the recent mix-up serves as a reminder of the challenges celebrities face when dealing with social media outrage and mistaken identities.

With Lee Ki Hyuk's experience being one of the most recent examples, it's clear that the entertainment industry will need to address these issues moving forward.

The mix-up has sparked a heated debate about the need for fans to be more considerate and respectful towards celebrities.

As the soccer World Cup continues, let's hope that fans will be able to separate fact from fiction and not fall victim to online hate.

What do you think about the recent mix-up? Share your thoughts in the comments below!